Vacation Day 6 - Yellowstone

We woke up, ate cereal and took off fr Yellowstone. We were planning on spending the entire day there so we took sandwiches and things for lunch.

We drove past the Tetons, oohing and aahing at how Bryan had climbed those once. 

We had a National Parks pass so we used that to get into the Tetons and Yellowstone. The line to get in wasn't too long. Ethan wanted to fish so we stopped at Lewis Lake for him to try his luck. It was really windy and he didn't catch anything so we loaded back up and drove on.

Ethan at Lewis Lake.

We drove into Grant Village to look around and stopped at the ranger station. We wanted to make sure Ethan didn't need a fishing license in Yellowstone. The rules say that anyone under 16 needs one. The ranger said Ethan didn't need one but the adult who would be helping him fish would. We quickly explained that we wouldn't be helping him fish at all. Ethan is the fisherman! The ranger talked with Ethan and verified that he knew the rules and regulations then said it was a "unique circumstance" and gave him a license.

We drove to the geyser near Grant Village to look around.

Then we drove to find Ethan a place to fish. He tried a few places but didn't catch any. We drove to Old Faithful and couldn't find any parking but just as we drove past the lodge....it erupted. So we drove around again so we could watch it but we didn't have to park or get out!

Then we drove toward the village near Fishing Bridge when we pulled off to let Ethan try to catch a fish. We walked down to the water, he cast into the lake...

and reeled this in...

ON HIS FIRST CAST!!

He was so excited!! It was a lake trout which is non native so you are required to kill them. So we got to keep it! It measures at about 18-20 inches with the head and tail on.

Ethan tried to catch more fish and got a couple of bites but he didn't catch anything else. He did loose 2 spinners though. 

We tried to continue up the road but there was an accident so we turned around. On our way back we saw something in the road. As we got closer we realized it was a female moose!

We bought Ethan more spinners at Grant Village.  Courtney got some ear buds.

 I found a snipe hunting kit!!

Then went to the picnic area to build a fire and cook the fish for dinner. 

Bryan told dumb tree jokes while we waited for the coals to be ready. Then it was time to cook it.

It was so yummy! The entire fish fed the 4 of us. We warned water and had hot chocolate too. It was the best dinner.

It was time to go back to Jackson. We took the scenic route past Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake. Bryan was dismayed to find out there is a dam in Jackson Lake. He thought it was natural.

Ethan kept his eyes open for potential fishing spots in the Tetons. We are going there tomorrow so he can fish and we can relax.

We got back to Jackson and treated ourselves to shakes before going to the hotel to shower and watch the Giants game.

Both Ethan and Courtney said today was a great day! And it was.